Selective GPR84 Antagonist
Our Selective G-protein coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) Antagonist Program
We are developing a selective GPR84 antagonist candidate that we believe could be used as monotherapy or in combination with other approved drugs. GPR84 is a pro-inflammatory target primarily expressed on cells associated with the immune system and its expression levels increase significantly during periods of inflammatory stress. Inhibition of GPR84 can inhibit neutrophil and macrophage migration and reduce cytokine release.
However, GPR84 expression is not restricted to cells in the immune system; it is also expressed in tissues such as the brain, heart, muscle, colon, kidney, liver, intestine, adipose and lung. Through its role in inflammation, GPR84 may be a mediator of the relationship between inflammation, obesity and diabetes. Rodent models suggest that GPR84 expression is up-regulated in adipocytes in response to TNF-α released from infiltrating macrophages, and that this in turn can lead to a down-regulation in adiponectin expression in adipocytes. Adiponectin is known to have anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherogenic effects, and it also functions as an insulin sensitizer.
Our GPR84 antagonist program
In addition to our experienced in-house medicinal chemistry group, we have a strong understanding and well-established, in-house expertise in GPR84 biology. Our prior research has shown that GPR84-deficient mice develop reduced fibrosis in a model of kidney fibrosis (adenine-induced chronic kidney disease). We have also shown that GPR84 mRNA is overexpressed in various acute and chronic kidney models such as 5/6-nephrectomy (Nx)-induced chronic kidney disease, doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephropathy and in adenine-induced tubulointerstitial injury.
Our GPR84 antagonist program is currently at the pre-clinical stage. Galapagos Therapeutics GLPG1205 program, currently in Phase 2, is the only other GPR84 antagonist program to our knowledge.